Southampton, Hampshire
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 155
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Halloween
Havenstreet
Step into a world of witches, wizards and Halloween characters as the Isle of Wight Steam railway comes alive with themed displays, live performances and interactive activities. Explore the decorated station, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and…
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Christmas
Portsmouth
Get your skates on this festive season, as Portsmouth's Guildhall Square is transformed into a real ice rink.
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Join the John Lewis Southampton store on Monday 16 November for all the beauty inspiration you need this Christmas.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Make Christmas extra special with a magical visit to Father Christmas at Milestones. Step into his beautifully decorated grotto, meet his elf and enjoy a special festive experience that the whole family will remember.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Milestones is being transformed into the spectacular world of A Christmas Carol. Encounter extraordinary characters and discover the people and remarkable events that changed Ebenezer Scrooge forever.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Cycling
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Offering full-day adult bike hire only, New Forest Activities offer bike sizes from XS to XL. It’s ideal for couples, adult groups and families with teens who want a relaxed but active day out in the New Forest.
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday December 3
Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
The…
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Conferences
Whiteley
To celebrate the opening of the Hambledon, the newest conference suite at The Solent Hotel and Spa, we're offering our local partners a choice of complimentary add-ons with every qualifying booking of a residential meeting.
Food
Whiteley
Join us at Parson's Collar to create your own pizza with your favourite toppings, cooked in our pizza oven.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Whether you're planning a unique date night near Bournemouth or an evening with friends that’s more memorable than any trip to the pub, Sundown Adventures delivers excitement, challenge, and plenty of moments you'll be talking about long afterwards.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre.
Christmas
Southampton
The 2026 Southampton Christmas Market will this year take place from 12th November 2026 until 27th December 2026.
Step into Christmas at Southampton Christmas Market's festive wonderland. Soak up the atmosphere as you browse an array of traditional…
Christmas
Brockenhurst
There's something wonderfully nostalgic about the simple act of creating at Christmas time. Join our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Careys Manor Hotel and embrace the spirit of the festive season.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday November 26 – Saturday 28 | Sunday November 29
3:30pm-7:30pm | 11:00am-3:00pm
Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while…
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